Truex Brothers Share More than a Last Name after Atlanta

Martin Truex Jr., and his younger brother Ryan, share many things in life. They both grew up near the Jersey Shore in a family as well known for it's occupation of fishing as for their love for auto racing. They have both won championships in NASCAR, and they

even share the same address, with Ryan living above Martin's garage in North Carolina. After this past Sunday night in Atlanta they now both share one more thing. Disappointment.

Martin, who has not won a NASCAR Sprint Car race in more than five years, was leading the Atlanta race, this Sunday, with only three laps to go. His lead over second place runner Jeff Gordon was right around three and a half seconds, and holding steady. The only thing between Truex and the checkered flag were a few, seemingly, meaningless laps. That is until the caution flag flew.

Jamie McMurray driving a car which was ironically sponsored by BASS Pro Shops, a longtime supporter of Truex, slammed the wall hard to bring out the yellow. As they had done all night the leaders immediately headed to pit road. Unfortunately for Truex, the Joe Gibbs Racing team got Denny Hamlin out just in front of him. While Hamlin had led much of the race he was not going to be a challenger for the win had the race stayed green.

Martin Truex Jr. lined up outside of Hamlin for the restart. When the green flag dropped Truex spun his tires like just about every car on the outside did all night. Suddenly, instead of contending for the win Truex found himself battling to stay in the top-five. Hamlin managed to hold off Gordon, with Brad Keselowski taking third, and Truex winding up a very disappointing fourth.

While Truex tried to put a positive spin on the night's events his true feelings were evident on his face. Yes, he had run well. Yes he had clinched a spot in The Chase. But, he knew he should of won. Not only for himself, but for his longtime sponsor, NAPA, who had just signed on for three more years of support, in their corporate hometown of Atlanta. Disappointment, that was nearly unexplainable.

That is unless your name just happens to be Ryan Truex. Ryan suffered a very similar fate earlier this year at Dover. The young driver was leading the NASCAR Nationwide race in June, in one of his few starts for Joe Gibbs Racing. He had been good all weekend, putting the Grime Boss Toyota on the pole. The race belonged to him, despite a fast closing Joey Logano.

Suddenly, Ryan found himself held up by two slower lapped cars. Logano, who never lifted, sped by to take the win. Much like his older brother, Ryan tried to put a positive spin on what had transpired. He had been nearly dominant at a tough track like Dover, against a field which included Sprint Cup drivers, and all this as only a part-time competitor. Yet you could still see it on his face. Disappointment.

Ryan Truex has spent much of his young career listening to the advice of Martin Jr. Maybe after Atlanta it was Ryan imparting some advice to Martin. Afterall, they are brothers who have shared the bad, the good, and now a disappointment that just about no other driver feels at this level.

The disappointment will turn into motivation, and inspiration for finally getting back to that place the Truex brothers knew all so well a few years ago. Victory lane. By all indications that could come on any given weekend for either of them. Let's hope they are both there to share it.